The sky hung heavy with storm clouds as Lira and Kael followed the overgrown path deeper into the forest. With each step, the air grew thicker—charged, like a song waiting to be sung.
Lira kept stealing glances at him. Kael, the underground fighter. The protector. The King's ghost. And yet, somehow, the only one who'd ever looked at her like she was more than her voice.
"Where are we going?" she finally asked.
"To an old outpost," he said. "Someone I trust left something there. Something we need."
Lira didn't ask more. She didn't have to. Every time Kael spoke of the Hollow or the mission, a subtle pain flickered in his eyes—like every truth cost him a piece of himself.
Hours later, the trees gave way to a crumbling stone ruin. Ivy crept up its weather-worn walls, and moss softened the corners where old weapons once hung.
Kael pushed the heavy door open and led her inside.
The room was dark, but familiar. Too familiar.
Lira's breath caught. "This place…"
"You've been here before?" he asked.
She nodded slowly. "In dreams."
Kael didn't seem surprised. "That's the Hollow's pull. It speaks in echoes and memories."
At the center of the room, he lifted a wooden floorboard. From beneath it, he pulled out a scroll, bound in silver twine.
Unrolling it, the parchment shimmered—etched not in ink, but glowing blue lines. Notes. Lyrics. Symbols only a true Singer could read.
Lira's hand hovered over it. "It's a song…"
"A map," Kael corrected. "But you must sing it to read it."
Her throat tightened. "And if I'm not ready?"
Kael placed his hand over hers. "Then I'll be ready with you."
Swallowing her fear, Lira began to hum.
The melody flowed from her lips like water breaking through stone. The symbols on the scroll flared with light, twisting and swirling until they settled into an image.
Mountains. A lake shaped like a harp. And deep within it—a glowing mark. The Hollow.
Kael stepped back, stunned. "You really are the last."
But before they could speak again, a sharp whistle pierced the air. Then another.
Kael moved instantly, yanking her behind a pillar.
"They found us," he growled.
And from the shadows, cloaked figures emerged, eyes glowing like wolves in the dark.